Common Elements Research Articles

Are We Capturing the Socioeconomic Burden of Rare Genetic Disease? A Scoping Review of Economic Evaluations and Cost-of-Illness Studies.

Rare diseases have a significant impact on patients, families, the health system, and society. Measuring the socioeconomic burden is crucial to valuing interventions for rare diseases. Healthcare system costs are significant, but so are costs to other government sectors, patients, families, and society. To understand the breadth of costs captured in rare disease studies, we examined the cost categories and elements of socioeconomic burden captured in published studies. A scoping review was conducted using five electronic databases to identify English language economic evaluations and cost-of-illness studies of interventions for rare diseases (2011-21). We mapped costs using a previously developed evidence-informed framework of socioeconomic burden costs for rare disease. Of 4890 studies identified, 48 economic evaluations and 22 cost-of-illness studies were included. While 18/22 cost-of-illness studies utilized a societal perspective, only 7/48 economic evaluations incorporated societal costs. Most reported cost categories related to medical costs, with medication and hospitalizations being the most common elements for both study designs. Costs borne by patients, families, and society were reported less among economic evaluations than cost-of-illness studies. These included: productivity (10% vs 77%), travel/accommodation (6% vs 68%), government benefits (4% vs 18%), and family impacts (0% vs 50%). Contrary to cost-of-illness analyses, most of the included economic evaluations did not account for the hidden burden of rare diseases, that is, costs borne by patients, families, and societies. Including these types of costs in future studies would provide a more comprehensive picture of the burden of disease, providing empirical data to inform how we value and make decisions regarding rare disease interventions, health policy, and resource allocation.

Early Cretaceous shifting of Zoophycos in the Ouarsenis Mountains (northwestern Algeria)

Early Cretaceous succession of the Oued Fodda Formation in the Ouarsenis Mountains (northwestern Algeria) is mainly composed of marl–limestone alternations, which are subdivided into four informal units (Units 1 to 4), based on distinct lithological, stratonomical, and ichnological features. The ichnological analysis reveals a low diversity of the trace-fossil assemblage, which is exclusively reported from Units 2 and 3. The ichnoassemblage contains six ichnotaxa (Chondrites intricatus, Ophiomorpha isp., Planolites isp., Thalassinoides isp., Zoophycos brianteus, and Zoophycos cauda-galli), among which Zoophycos and Chondrites are the most common elements of the assemblage and occur in distinct mud-rich substrates showing different bioturbation intensities. The development of Zoophycos in the middle part of Unit 2 shows a high degree of bioturbation (bioturbation index (BI) = 4). Zoophycos specimens are of large size, between 45 cm and 75 cm in width, which were interpreted to have formed in a lower offshore environment where the oxygenation amount was optimal, the sedimentation rate was low, and the benthic food was abundant on the seafloor. Toward the upper part of Unit 2, Zoophycos-bearing levels exhibit a less intense degree of bioturbation (BI between 1 and 2) in contrast to Planolites- and Chondrites-bearing levels which have a bioturbation index (BI) between 3 and 4. At these levels, Zoophycos displays relatively small, coiled to U-shaped spreiten, probably in response to stressful and dysoxic conditions prevailing in the water bottom. With improved oxygenation in a quiet lower offshore to shelf margin environment in Unit 3, the benthic organisms recovered, as represented by medium to large size Zoophycos in association with Ophiomorpha and scarce Chondrites burrows, even if the overall bioturbation intensity is very low. The combination of trace-fossil assemblage and lithofacies of the Oued Fodda Formation indicates relatively stable outer shelf environments below the storm wave base, which corresponds classically to the lower offshore to shelf edge environments, and the prevailing palaeoecological conditions are optimal and stressful for the benthic organisms.

High-energy interference-free K-lines synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy of rare earth elements in hyperaccumulator plants.

Synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis (µXRF) is a non-destructive and highly sensitive technique. However, element mapping of rare earth elements (REEs) under standard conditions requires care, since energy-dispersive detectors are not able to differentiate accurately between REEs L-shell X-ray emission lines overlapping with K-shell X-ray emission lines of common transition elements of high concentrations. We aim to test REE element mapping with high-energy interference-free excitation of the REE K-lines on hyperaccumulator plant tissues and compare with measurements with REE L-shell excitation at the microprobe experiment of beamline P06 (PETRA III, DESY). A combination of compound refractive lens optics (CRLs) was used to obtain a micrometre sized focussed incident beam with an energy of 44 keV and an extra-thick silicon drift detector (SDD) optimised for high-energy X-ray detection to detect the K-lines of yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr) and neodymium (Nd) without any interferences due to line overlaps. High-energy excitation from La to Nd in the hyperaccumulator organs was successful but compared to L-line excitation less efficient and therefore slow (∼10-fold slower than similar maps at lower incident energy) due to lower flux and detection efficiency. However, REE K-lines do not suffer significantly from self-absorption, which makes XRF-tomography of millimetre-sized frozen-hydrated plant samples possible. The K-line excitation of REEs at the P06 CRL setup has scope for application in samples that are particularly prone to REE interfering elements, such as soil samples with high concomitant Ti, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni concentrations.

Common Components of General Surgery Robotic Educational Programs

Robotically assisted surgery has become more common in general surgery, but there is limited guidance from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) regarding this type of training. We sought to determine common elements and differences in the robotic educational curricula developed by general surgery residency programs. Robotic educational curricula were obtained from the 7 individuals who presented at the workshop, "Robotic Education in General Surgery" at the 2023 Association of Program Directors in Surgery annual meeting. All 7 general surgery programs had training beginning intern year, required online robotic modules, had at least 1 dedicated simulation training console not used for clinical purposes, and ran dry and wet (tissue) robotic labs at least annually. All programs had bedside and console surgeon case minimums and had administrative support to run the educational programs. Differences existed regarding how training intern year was executed, the simulations required, clinical practice minimum requirements, how progress was monitored over time, and how case numbers were tracked. Some programs had salary support for a director of robotic education. There are several common elements to robotic educational curricula in general surgery, however significant variation does exist between programs. Given the frequency of robotic use in general surgery and current lack of standardization, formal guidance from the ACGME specifically regarding robotic education in general surgery residency is warranted.

In Situ Neutron Diffraction of Zn-MOF-74 Reveals Nanoconfinement-Induced Effects on Adsorbed Propene.

Even though confinement was identified as a common element of selective catalysis and simulations predicted enhanced properties of adsorbates within microporous materials, experimental results on the characterization of the adsorbed phase are still rare. In this study, we provide experimental evidence of the increase of propene density in the channels of Zn-MOF-74 by 16(2)% compared to the liquid phase. The ordered propene molecules adsorbed within the pores of the MOF have been localized by in situ neutron powder diffraction, and the results are supported by adsorption studies. The formation of a second adsorbate layer, paired with nanoconfinement-induced short intermolecular distances, causes the efficient packing of the propene molecules and results in an increase of olefin density.

Measuring sexual self-concept: a methodological review

ABSTRACT Sexual self-concept (SSC) is a person’s perception of themself as a sexual being. SSC is a key construct in understanding people’s sexuality. However, the extent to which sexuality researchers consistently define, measure, and evaluate SSC is unknown. In this review, we determine the common elements of researchers’ conceptual definitions of SSC (RQ1), describe how researchers measure SSC (RQ2), examine the structural (RQ3) and external (RQ4) validity of these measures, and (highlight who is represented in the creation of SSC measures (RQ5). We conducted a comprehensive review of 67 peer-reviewed SSC studies identified through a systematic search of five databases. We extracted data using Loevinger’s (1957) three phases of construct validation: substantive, structural, and external. Our results highlight current limitations in SSC construct validity. Of the 67 studies, 50 provided a conceptual SSC definition, including 14 unique definitions. Additionally, there were 32 unique measures of SSC, providing 34 distinct subscales. White (38.3%), female (47.8%), and North American (47.8%) participants were mostly represented in the research; sexual minoritized people’s perceptions were underrepresented. We discuss the importance of having consistent theory-driven definitions of SSC. Moreover, researchers must consider how different groups of people uniquely understand and construct their SSCs to improve knowledge.

The Dance – tension of communication in literature

The aim of investigation: is the role of dance as social coagulation and background for intense feelings, in connection with the new branch of neuroscience. The method of research: is a comparative one, choosing writer from different cultural spaces and epochs: Gustave Flaubert, Henrik Ibsen, Nikos Kazantzakis, Liviu Rebreanu, L. N. Tolstoi. Conclusion: neurosciences analyze the intersection of corporal contact with the control of movements, learning by imitation, emotional expression and the psycho-dynamic of subliminal. The article analyzes the function of emotional communication by dance, with reference to Dionysian manifestation of art, and to neuroscience. The authors and the works to which it refers are: Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, A doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, Anna Karenina by L. N. Tolstoy, Ciuleandra by Liviu Rebreanu and Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis - three female characters and two male character. Their common element it is the feeling of an internal liberation and the communication of an erotic tension, the fusion with the person you love and with the universe

Recommendations on Social Determinants of Health in Neurologic Disease.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are increasingly recognized as important drivers of inequities in neurologic disease and outcomes. However, our understanding of the biopsychosocial mechanisms by which SDOH affect neurologic disease remains in its infancy. The most robust epidemiologic research has been on the associations between education, schooling, and place-based social determinants on cognition, dementia, and cerebrovascular disease later in life. Further research is needed to more deeply understand the complex interplay of SDOH on neurologic disease. Few SDOH screening tools have been validated in populations with neurologic disease. In addition, comparison across studies and populations is hampered by lack of standardized common data elements. Experiences of populations historically underrepresented in research should be centered in future research studies, and changes should be made in recruitment expectations and measurement choices. For research on inequities, it is critical to support and incentivize institutional infrastructure to foster meaningful engagement with populations affected by research. Finally, it remains to be seen whether individual-level health or behavioral interventions or place-level, systemic or policy interventions to reduce population burden will be most effective in reducing inequities in neurologic disease and outcomes. Although numerous clinical trials have focused on addressing downstream SDOH such as health literacy and health behaviors (e.g., medication adherence, physical activity, diet), few have addressed upstream, structural determinants which may have a more profound impact on addressing inequities in neurologic disease. Ultimately, further research is needed to determine which specific SDOH should be targeted and how, when, and by whom they should be addressed to improve neurologic outcomes.

SCHEMA: A Process for the Creation and Evaluation of Serious Games—A Systematic Review towards Sustainability

The Internet and technology have flooded all the activities of our daily lives, making digitalisation a reality. Education is no stranger to this reality and is beginning to incorporate new learning methodologies in the classroom. Methodologies such as game-based learning are presented as appropriate solutions for digital generations, leading the video game industry to produce in a less controlled way. Therefore, this research aims to systematise the scientific production of serious games by studying methodological models and processes for both the creation and evaluation of educational video games and identifying common patterns and differential elements. To this end, a systematic literature review of existing models was carried out under the PRISMA protocol. An initial sample of 13,692 articles was used to arrive at the 15 studies included in this review, following the eligibility criteria of the PICO model. The results show that, although there is a certain unanimity in the methodologies of the different authors, aspects, such as the iteration of the process or the inclusion of teachers in the creation of the video game, must be sufficiently considered. This review led to the creation of SCHEMA, a methodological model for designing serious games that incorporates these deficiencies.

ProCrackPlast: a finite element tool to simulate 3D fatigue crack growth under large plastic deformations

Many structural components and devices in combustion and automotive engineering undergo highly intensive cyclic thermal and mechanical loading during their operation, which leads to low cycle (LCF) or thermomechanical (TMF) fatigue crack growth. This behavior is often characterized by large scale plastic deformations and creep around the crack, so that concepts of linear-elastic fracture mechanics fail. The finite element software ProCrackPlast has been developed at TU Bergakademie Freiberg for the automated simulation of fatigue crack growth in arbitrarily loaded three-dimensional components with large scale plastic deformations, in particular under cyclic thermomechanical loading. ProCrackPlast consists of a bundle of Python routines, which manage finite element pre-processing, crack analysis, and post-processing in combination with the commercial software Abaqus . ProCrackPlast is based on a crack growth procedure which adaptively updates the crack size in finite increments. Crack growth is controlled by the cyclic crack tip opening displacement varDelta CTOD, which is considered as the appropriate fracture-mechanical parameter in case of large scale yielding. The three-dimensional varDelta CTOD concept and its effective numerical calculation by means of special crack-tip elements are introduced at first. Next, the program structure, the underlying numerical algorithms and calculation schemes of ProCrackPlast are outlined in detail, which capture the plastic deformation history along with the moving crack. In all simulations, a viscoplastic cyclic material law is used within a large strain setting. The numerical performance of this software is studied for a single edge notch tension (SENT) specimen under isothermal cyclic loading and compared to common finite element techniques for fatigue crack simulation. The capability of this software is featured in two application examples showing crack growth under mixed-mode LCF and TMF in a typical austenite cast steel, Ni-Resist. In combination with a crack growth law identified in terms of varDelta CTOD for a specific material, the tool ProCrackPlast is able to predict the crack evolution in a 3D component for a given thermomechanical loading scenario.

Activity coefficients, phase diagram and separation process design for NaNO3 and Pb(NO3)2 of waste liquor in the production of lead–chromium pigments

Lead contamination is one of the common soil heavy metal pollution elements, and the waste solution discharged from chromium–lead pigment plants is one of the potential sources of lead contamination. In order to separate and recover sodium nitrate and lead nitrate from waste liquid of the production of lead–chromium pigments, it is necessary to make systematical studies on thermodynamic properties, and thermodynamic phase diagram of the salt–water system containing NaNO3 and Pb(NO3)2. Accordingly, in this work, the cell potential method were chosen to measure the thermodynamic activity coefficients of mixed solutions NaNO3– Pb(NO3)2–H2O. The thermodynamic properties (mean activity coefficient, osmotic coefficient, water activity, excess Gibbs free energy) of NaNO3–Pb(NO3)2–H2O mixed solutions at 308.15 K were also determined by Pitzer model. Furthermore, the phase equilibria of the NaNO3–Pb(NO3)2–H2O system was investigated by the isothermal dissolution equilibrium method, and its isothermal equilibrium phase diagram was drawn in detail. The solubility data were used to obtain the Pitzer mixing ion parameters, and the solubilities of salts in the ternary system were predicted by Pitzer model. Based on the plotted phase diagrams, as a result, the process to separate NaNO3 and enrich the recycling of Pb(NO3)2 was designed based on the calculated phase diagram. Among them, the recovery of NaNO3 reached 70.82% and the enrichment of Pb(NO3)2 reached about 15 times. The designed separation process in this work has the advantages of green, low energy consumption and sustainability, which is of positive practical significance for the full utilization of resources and the prevention of environmental pollution.

Developing a definition of body neutrality and strategies for an intervention

The aim of this study was to provide a definition for body neutrality and understand the key strategies recommended to improve body neutrality for testing in future interventions. There is minimal academic literature on body neutrality and thus this study focused on examining websites where the concept has been discussed for some time. This was achieved using a realist synthesis of websites and a common elements approach to extract the key definition elements of body neutrality, strategies to improve body neutrality, in addition to the common critiques of both the body positivity and body neutrality movements. The initial search found 175 websites, of which 107 were included in the final synthesis, and common elements analysis followed after removal of duplicates and ineligible websites. Three elements, with several sub-elements, best operationalised the definition of body neutrality. Six strategies were found for development of a body neutrality intervention. This innovative study paves the way for rigorous evaluation of body neutrality. Recommendations for future work are provided, including the use of current measures, creating a new measure, and evaluating prevention and intervention programs including Single Session Interventions (SSIs).

Ten questions concerning smart and healthy built environments for older adults

In the past decade, the term ‘global aging’ has gained much attention among researchers, policymakers, civil societies, and governments worldwide. The continuous decline in fertility rates and increased life expectancy have resulted in an ongoing demographic transition where the share of adults aged 65 or older is increasing and outnumbering children younger than five years. In the United States and other developed countries, this rapid demographic transition is expected to continue to strain the existing health infrastructure as it becomes increasingly challenging to ensure healthy living environments for older adults. The ten questions and answers in this paper have been prepared by experts from gerontology, geriatrics, architectural engineering, and senior living operations to inform and characterize the current continuum of living environments and communities available to older adults. They also identify the common elements that influence the environmental needs of older adults and highlight factors (such as technical assistance, health equity gaps, and caregiver workforce development) that challenge the future of smart and healthy built environments for older adults. A special focus has been placed on contextualizing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) elements and smart building technologies for older individuals, caregivers, and their various requirements (perhaps in their own homes and communities). Together, these viewpoints create a new paradigm to assist in designing and managing intelligent, healthy built environments that respond to human demands. Although this paper focuses on factors in the United States, others can benefit from the framework incubated upon these experiences, making this effort relevant toward addressing global opportunities in environments for older adults.

Cinematography in V. Nabokov’s novellas from <i>The Return of Chorb</i> [<i>Vozvrashchenie Chorba</i>] cycle

The image of a motion picture emerges in Nabokov’s early works collected under the title The Return of Chorb [Vozvrashchenie Chorba], years before his major ‘cinematographic’ novels. The article considers cinematography as a theme of three novellas in the collection and explores its functions. It argues that, as well as integrating the image of a film in his characteristic system of reflections and refractions, Nabokov employs it to create metatextual self-reflection: in Nabokov’s view, literature has cinematographic potential for conjuring up optical illusions and plunging the reader into a hallucination or a dream, and in doing so denies its own realistic or mimetic qualities. Just like a motion picture, Nabokov’s novellas are first and foremost interplays of colour and light and their movement — features that distinguish a cinematographic image from a photographic one. Nabokov also speaks of audial imagination as another common element between films (silent at that time) and literature: according to the novelist, a verbal image, silent and visual by nature, allows for the inaudible to be heard and challenges the veracity of the visible.

Remote infrared view of JET divertor compatible with D-T operations

A remote viewing system located outside the biological shield wall to image the divertor region in JET is presented here. This paper focuses on the optical and mechanical designs of the installation of a line of sight which is capable of imaging the divertor over an optical distance of approximately 31 m. In addition, it includes the experience obtained during operations and it demonstrates its successful performance. This line of sight was the second viewing system used during the D-T campaign and it follows from the paper dedicated to the remote wide angle view line of sight which is also compatible with D-T operations and includes common elements to the construction of the two lines of sight. The main novel feature is the design in house of two glass reinforced plastic kinematic mounts standing vertically to each accommodate a mirror of 500 mm in diameter.

Review of Crisis Management Frameworks in Tourism and Hospitality: A Meta-Analysis Approach

Given the global impact of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) on the tourism industry, crisis management has once again become a hot topic for research. This article reviews the state of the art in the existing literature on crisis management frameworks in tourism and hospitality through a meta-analysis approach. A total of 36 articles published in peer-reviewed journals between January 2000 and December 2022 were included in this review. The articles covered perspectives of different crisis events, including natural disasters, conflicts, weather-related events and pandemics. The findings show 14 key crisis management frameworks developed in past literature. These findings are critically reviewed, analysing their core concepts in each stage and highlighting their common elements and differentiating components. The study also recognizes the relevance of adopting a multi-perspective approach and proactive planning in crisis management for destinations and tourism organizations to achieve long-term resilience. Lastly, suggestions and directions for future research in this research field are pointed out.

Methods Used in the Development of Common Data Models for Health Data: Scoping Review.

Common data models (CDMs) are essential tools for data harmonization, which can lead to significant improvements in the health domain. CDMs unite data from disparate sources and ease collaborations across institutions, resulting in the generation of large standardized data repositories across different entities. An overview of existing CDMs and methods used to develop these data sets may assist in the development process of future models for the health domain, such as for decision support systems. This scoping review investigates methods used in the development of CDMs for health data. We aim to provide a broad overview of approaches and guidelines that are used in the development of CDMs (ie, common data elements or common data sets) for different health domains on an international level. This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. We conducted the literature search in prominent databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus, starting from January 2000 until March 2022. We identified and screened 1309 articles. The included articles were evaluated based on the type of adopted method, which was used in the conception, users' needs collection, implementation, and evaluation phases of CDMs, and whether stakeholders (such as medical experts, patients' representatives, and IT staff) were involved during the process. Moreover, the models were grouped into iterative or linear types based on the imperativeness of the stages during development. We finally identified 59 articles that fit our eligibility criteria. Of these articles, 45 specifically focused on common medical conditions, 10 focused on rare medical conditions, and the remaining 4 focused on both conditions. The development process usually involved stakeholders but in different ways (eg, working group meetings, Delphi approaches, interviews, and questionnaires). Twenty-two models followed an iterative process. The included articles showed the diversity of methods used to develop a CDM in different domains of health. We highlight the need for more specialized CDM development methods in the health domain and propose a suggestive development process that might ease the development of CDMs in the health domain in the future.

An exploratory study of Mobility Hub implementation

Mobility Hubs (MH) have been developed, as multimodal interchanges focussed on public transport, active travel modes, and shared mobility, with the aim of encouraging more sustainable forms of travel. There is emergent evidence of MH development and implementation across an increasing number of international cities often with different interpretations of the concept. The aim of this paper is to analyse the decision-making factors behind MH implementation. 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with transport professionals involved with MH implementation in the United States, mainland Europe and the United Kingdom. The interviews revealed common elements in the decision-making process categorised under four headings, namely: Purpose, Process, Place and Performance referred to as the 4 Ps. These are used as explanatory factors to understand the variety of MH implementation globally. Furthermore, they have utility as a decision-making guide for prospective cities considering MH implementation. This enables exploration of how MHs develop and are implemented responding to the specific aims, opportunities, challenges, and contexts of a move from private transport to more active and shared modes of mobility.

A Content Analysis of Sex Offender Registries: The Influence of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) on Registry Information

Sex offender registries contain information available for public access through websites. In 2006, the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), a core piece of the Adam Walsh Act, was introduced to overhaul the disparate SORN systems across states. Although instrumental in systematizing the sex offender policy, there has yet to be a sufficient investigation into SORNA’s effects in shaping public website registry requirements. Our quantitative content analysis of 50 state sex offender online registries categorized the 88 identified registry elements into seven mutually exclusive features: liability concerns, dissemination of information, mapping features, search features, listing details of registrants, offense information, and victim information. Findings show that states largely share many common registry elements, with multivariate analyses suggesting SORNA-compliant registries are more likely to publicly share eight elements specifically relating to registrants’ search and listing features and offense location.

The Chinese accounting profession in the People’s Republic: A preliminary understanding from an oral history perspective

While oral history still has a marginal role in accounting literature in general, it has not been applied at all in relation to the history of Chinese accounting. Within broader research on accounting change in China, this paper uses oral history to investigate patterns of the career of accountants in China. We interviewed 21 retired accountants, aging from 60 to 90 at the time of the interview, asking them to share their professional experience in open and unstructured talk. We reconstruct individual experiences, which provides insights into the working lives of our interviewees. Unlike previous studies that only focus on influential informants, we investigate Chinese accounting changes as they emerge from the collective memory of everyday accountants. Taking a pluralist perspective, we collect non-archival data to illustrate the education and common elements in accounting career development. Our approach takes a ‘view from below’, underlining the limitations of top-down perspectives in most of the literature on accounting change in China. The findings contribute to our understanding of accounting changes in China and their social and economic impacts on the profession while providing interesting implications for oral history in accounting in general.